Rabat – The new initiative of the United Nations development program (UNDP) and the Ministry of National Territory Planning, Land Planning, Housing and city policy was presented during a meeting held on August 23, Rabat.
It is estimated that no less than 494 ksars and kasbahs in the Southeast of the Kingdom will be appraised by 2026, for a budget of $591 million (5,3 billion MAD) slated for the completion of this project.
“The rehabilitation of the Ksour and Kasbah represents one of the mechanisms contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as it will create 530,000 working days and 4000 job opportunities,” disclosed Nouzha Bouchareb, the Minister of National Territory Planning.
Bouchareb further stated that the development of this initiative will “foster 790 income-generating activities to boost one’s skills with a global investment of $20 million (180 million MAD).”
“This will have a great impact on the living standard of the targeted local population”, she continues.
The strategy will cover the rehabilitation of the built environment, roles and functions of the Ksour and Kasbah and aims to establish a new dynamic economy in the areas by enhancing the existing wealth, introducing a wide range of innovative activities, as well as boosting institutional and tax framework to attract national and international investments within the region.
“The strategy is part of the implementation of the directives of King Mohammed VI, for the preservation of the tangible and intangible heritage and the improvement of the living environment in the southeast region”, underlined Bouchareb.
Between 2022-2026, the new strategy will provide the inclusion of the Ksour and Kasbah to fight against substandard housing and territorial disparities.
